E-Class Estate pre or post facelift 2005-2006?

[Paragon1970]

Hi Folks,

This is my first post so just wanted to say Hi and to also ask for some advice if I may?

I am in the market for purchasing a E-Class estate, preferably the 280 or 320.
In my budget it seems to be for vehicles that range from 2004 - 2007 depending on mileage, location and what not.

I have seen a 2005 that appears to be a rather nice example and is located conveniently close to my location, but then I heard about the facelift model that was introduced in 2006 and now I am torn.

Do I hold out for a 2006 model or are the pre facelift perfectly fine models?

A little confused right now!
I should also add that this would be my first ever purchase of a Mercedes.
Did however borrow a mates 2001 model 3.5 petrol which got me to South of France and on arrival felt like I had just popped to the local shops. It blew me away. I had to have to stop less than every two hours when driving the Touareg due to fatigue.

Thanks,
SRG

 

[bob6600]

Post facelift are better, no SBC to contend with for a start

 

[mr. shr]

I had a pre-facelift that ran faultlessly but I was always concerned about the SBC reaching the end of it's life.

If funds permit, I'd say go post facelift.

 

[guydewdney]

Pre has a simpler more reliable in line 6 with old skool 5 speed box. Post has smoother v6 and better 7 speed box. but some accounts suggest the v6 is more delicate.

By the sounds of it you will end up with a high mileage poverty spec facelift vs a lower mileage better spec pre.

personally, i like feeling a gear change, i drive in sport mode all the time not comfort, as i dont like the squishyness of comfort mode. Mine is 5 speed.

 

[Paragon1970]

Thank you very much for your replies.
The car I have seen is a 2005 E280 7G-Tronic so it appears that this auto box was also available on pre facelift models, guessing between the 2005-2006 facelift switchover. Mileage is just shy of 100,000 miles. This if purchased will be one of the highest mile cars I would have ever purchased, but am I right in understanding these cars are good for it, indeed a pal of mine mentioned it was just ran in?

Oh and the price is around £6.5k

Thanks Again.

 

[mannikon]

Thank you very much for your replies.
The car I have seen is a 2005 E280 7G-Tronic so it appears that this auto box was also available on pre facelift models, guessing between the 2005-2006 facelift switchover. Mileage is just shy of 100,000 miles. This if purchased will be one of the highest mile cars I would have ever purchased, but am I right in understanding these cars are good for it, indeed a pal of mine mentioned it was just ran in?

Oh and the price is around £6.5k

Thanks Again.

Sounds little pricey to me but if it's well optioned and has been looked efter with invoices as proof it may suit. Don't be scared about SBC, wonderful system but has a limited life but who knows this one may already have had it renewed.

 

[mr. shr]

Wasn't the 280 engine a part of the facelift range?

 

[MercedesDriver]

I had similar dilemma some months ago and came to a following conclusion. Price difference between pre and post models is so high that it leaves you enough space for new SBC and at least 2 years of regular servicing if you buy pre-facelift model. I did exactly that. Bought low mileage W211 with full MB service and can tell you it's a hell of a car. But, that's only my opinion.

 

[guydewdney]

195,000 miles on original sbc.....

 

[Paragon1970]

Thanks Folks.
Just reading some horror stories about the SBC.
I had no idea about the existence of SBC let alone what it is until this thread and a few google searches.

One such story is with regarding complete break failure, luckily the person was only doing around 15mph and managed to stop the car partly by kerbing it, the story also mentions that if it had occurred 5 minuted later the car would have been heading down the road towards a round-a-bout at 60mph, I leave that there to the imagination!

Personally do not think I could enjoy this car having that nagging thought in ones mind as to will it stop or wont it?

Sadly it does not provide a great deal of confidence in such a vehicle.

Think I may throw another couple of grand into the pot and find post facelift.

BTW what kind of breaking does the post facelift provide, is it the proven traditional mechanical method as opposed the by wire method?

Also 2006 was the cross over period from pre to post facelift, am I right in assuming one can tell the difference outwardly by the post having stalked wing mirrors as opposed to what I would describe as one piece bulky mirror (granted not the best description, but heyho)?

And what would you consider high millage or in other terms millage that one should not be that worried about?

Thanks to All
SRG

 

[GordonTarling]

Post facelift all the way. As for differences, be careful, as there are some cars that were built in the 'in between' period that seem to be a mixture of both. Mileage doesn't bother these cars too much - my current one is on 180k and still running fine.

 

[Paragon1970]

Hi Folks,

Hopefully can receive a quick reply.
Heading off shortly to look at a 2008 E280 estate it has 110,000 miles on the clock, full Mercedes service history except for last service which was completed by a reputable Mercedes independent asking price was ~ £9950 but looking at around £9000 for cash does this seem like a reasonable price?

Thanks
SRG

 

[bozmandb9]

I'd go for a pre facelift. SBC is incredibly good, an example of technology going backwards. E350 with 7g tropic is excellent. Great drive, and great economy even before conversion. 6.7 seconds to 60, and 30 mpg.

 

[Paddcomp]

Hi Folks,

Hopefully can receive a quick reply.
Heading off shortly to look at a 2008 E280 estate it has 110,000 miles on the clock, full Mercedes service history except for last service which was completed by a reputable Mercedes independent asking price was ~ £9950 but looking at around £9000 for cash does this seem like a reasonable price?

Thanks
SRG

If that's a garage then it's about right. I think I paid circa £9k for my 2007 E320 estate with 108k miles on it last Oct. Great car, check all the suspension joints and bushes as mine all needed changing.

 

[After Shock]

Hope the car turns out to be ok.

If you haven't signed on the dotted line look at ebay/auto trader for a comparable car to give you a price guide. Buy on condition but guess you know that.

I've got a 2005 car which I love! The ride is great and the spec fantastic! I didn't drive a 280. Mines a 320. The pick up on it is excellent and it handles very well.

After various makes I wouldn't go away from a Mercedes now (or be allowed to by my wife!)

 

[merc85]

I love my pre face lift e320, easy 50mpg and powerfull after the map. SBC brakes are awesome i like the SBC hold too thought it was a gimmick at 1st lol but find myself using it quite abit.

You will always hear of horror stories with issues wen it comes to cars people only post when theres a issue with a vehicle rarely a compliment.

 

[gIzzE]

SBC Hold just became hold on the facelift.
Same thing.

I would own either, you can reset the SBC safely by 25% if you need to. And that would give you at least 25,000 to save up for a new SBC pump.


I had a facelift E320cdi with the Brabus D6 box on it, great, great car.

I would like another one but would try and find a petrol this time, as I had the E320 V6 petrol S210 model before and the refinement made it feel so special.

 

[Guy.Pap]

I have just bought myself a 2008 E280 CDI Black sport estate with 57000 on the clock for just a little bit more, it came with full history and one owner from new and plenty of options. Most certainly one of my better calls in life . You wont be disappointed I absolutely love mine ..

 

[Paragon1970]

Thank you everyone for all your welcome replies.

So, I am the proud first time owner of a Mercedes E280 Avantgarde Estate 2008.
Wow what can I say, coming from a 2.5TDI Touareg to his car is indescribable.

The drive is a delight, I seriously had a smile across my face of which I had trouble hiding, the car just drove so well, the engine was responsive and to be-honest one could be excused for thinking it was petrol powered. At one point heading back down the motorway I had to double check my speed limit, thought I was going a lot less than I actually was.

Comparing this against the 2.5TDI Touareg, lets just say one can feel the engine trough the car, there is no getting away from the noise, but different vehicles for different strokes I guess.

Just hope the car turns out to be a good'un after the recent hassles I have had. Fingers X'd!

Anyway diligently reading the manual now
Noticed there is a memory card slot, have not found it mentioned as yet though.

Thanks once again Folks!
SRG

 

[guydewdney]

Use the LIM function of the cruise control to prevent you accidently speeding.

options list then , what ya got?